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CNN Live At Daybreak

FBI Faced with Multiple Missions

Aired October 30, 2001 - 08:06   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The FBI is faced with multiple missions. In addition to the latest terrorism warning, the agency is trying to get a handle on the anthrax mailings, and so far, it doesn't know the source.

Susan Candiotti has details on all of this from Washington -- good morning, Susan.

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Miles.

Is there a connection between the new terrorist warning and the anthrax scare? No, says the government. But it does come as the FBI struggles for answers, so far, unable to ease concerns about when the anthrax threat will end.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): At this time, the FBI says it has no reason to believe the new terrorist warning is related to anthrax; that as more anthrax is found and more people are infected.

Traces found at two State Department mailrooms and in a nearby annex. Also discovered, anthrax inside the Supreme Court building. The building had been closed since Friday for checks. Until more tests are done, and the building decontaminated, the Supreme Court is sitting at a federal courthouse a few blocks away. Preliminary tests also turn up anthrax at a building run by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Two new confirmed cases of anthrax infection, both in New Jersey: One, a 51-year-old woman with skin anthrax. She does not work for the post office or the news media. She lives near Hamilton Township, where a second postal worker is confirmed to have inhalation anthrax.

What about the source? Investigators appear no closer to an answer. Did it come from these three known letters, or were there more?

TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTOR: This continues to be a very aggressive, ongoing investigation. There are a lot of theories out there. We just need some facts to turn a theory into reality.

CANDIOTTI: They do know the Daschle anthrax contained the additive, silica, which experts tell CNN, is commonly available as a drying agent in pallet form like this.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Experts also explain the powdered form of anthrax, when added to spores, makes them lighter and easier to spread in the air. Now, so far, there is no evidence to link the anthrax to domestic or international terrorists.

Meantime, expect an announcement today from Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, responding to the newest terrorist warning. Mineta to call for better passenger and bag screening at airports -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: Susan Candiotti in Washington -- thanks much.

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